Here you will find interesting pieces of information with regard to Freemasonry.
THE DODGY HANDSHAKE
The topic of ‘the dodgy handshake’ always sparks debate, some humour, some intrigue and, of course, conspiracy theories.
Let’s have a look and see what, why and when. Maybe we can dispel a few myths
Firstly, yes! We do have ‘a handshake.’ In fact, we have a few different ones; they mean different things. We refer to them as ‘Grips’ or ‘Tokens,’ and are sometimes accompanied by a variety of passwords, but what do they mean and why are they used.
The History:
Freemasonry is deeply rooted in history and symbolism. Ancient stonemasons used handshakes for a variety of reasons, from recognition to proofs of being proficient in certain aspects of work, to proving what level within the stonemason hierarchy they were in order to receive the correct wages.
Each level of stonemason kept the different grips and passwords a secret; that way a lower-skilled workman couldn’t use them to pretend they were of a higher rank and thus gain more money and privileges afforded to the more skilled and expert workmen.
Remember, in bygone days there was little reference from employers like there is today, these methods were used to prove their level of expertise when finding work. They were also a handy way to recognize each other in very dimly lit rooms. Hundreds of years ago, stonemasons used to work by candlelight.
The Symbolism:
Nowadays, in our ceremonies, we use allegory and symbolism as nods and references to the past. This includes the various handshakes that were used by ancient stonemasons. We use them to distinguish each of the 3 degrees in Freemasonry, with different grips for each: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and then Master Mason. They are still kept separate and distinct to each degree, another symbolic nod to the same use in ancient times.
Integrity:
They are also symbols of trust, friendship and integrity. When you ask a Freemason what the ‘handshake is,’ they won’t tell you. We also use a particular password and a handshake when visiting other Lodges where we are not known, we are then able to prove membership and demonstrate the “degree” we are in using the handshake.
Keeping these private is when theory and conspiracy happen’s. Rest assured, it isn’t a mysterious secret; it is just a matter of integrity and keeping the oath, we take to keep the handshakes and passwords private (just as ancient stonemasons did).
So, that is it, a small insight into what the ‘secret handshake’ is all about. Sorry it isn’t more exciting, it isn’t associated with any nefarious reason, and no, you certainly can’t use it to get off that speeding ticket! Indeed, it is strictly forbidden to use Freemasonry for any pecuniary benefit.
They are simply nods to historical aspects of our roots, when stonemasons used to build our grand buildings such as churches and cathedrals. In casual everyday life we don’t use them. They shouldn’t be used in a social setting when greeting anyone outside of Freemasonry, so you’d likely shake a Freemason’s hand and be none the wiser.
We hope this brief guide has been useful. If you would like to know more about Freemasonry, or are interested in joining one of the best and oldest fraternities in the world, and making a lot of new friends, just ask us.
EMAIL info@pudbrooklodge8366.org.uk
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